Museum Altes Zeughaus

The Museum Altes Zeughaus armoury museum in Solothurn is unique in combining shell and content, as the 17th-century building was built to serve as the city’s arsenal to hold the personal weapons of the Solothurn citizens as well as forming a symbol for the defensive potential of the city state. The listed building today shows weapons, armour and objects relating to the conflictual past of the Swiss people and the mercenary system. One of the largest displays of its kind in Europe, the second floor houses an impressive exhibit of 300 armours alone. A recent ‘complete makeover’ over the course of two years displays the Zeughaus history in a newly polished outfit, allowing visitors to enjoy both the vast halls and the collection in a new light.